Friends pupil Abby among Games star Ganiel’s fans

Friends’ pupil Abby Tate was one of a number of young athletes recently joined by Commonwealth Games star Gladys Ganiel at Portstewart Strand for a training session delivered by Athletics NI.
By The Newsroom
Published 23rd Oct 2014, 22:28 BST
Pictured L-R are Orán McCafferty (11) from Lurgan who attends St Colmans Newry, James Walker (11) from Tandragee Junior High, Abby Tate (11) from Moira who attends Friends, Lisburn, Anna Conlon (10) from Tannahgmore PS, Lurgan, Odhran Hamilton (11) from St Patricks PS, Armagh, Jack Scott (12) from Tandragee Junior High School and Suzy Neill (12) from Banbridge Academy and Commonwealth Games star Gladys Ganiel.Pictured L-R are Orán McCafferty (11) from Lurgan who attends St Colmans Newry, James Walker (11) from Tandragee Junior High, Abby Tate (11) from Moira who attends Friends, Lisburn, Anna Conlon (10) from Tannahgmore PS, Lurgan, Odhran Hamilton (11) from St Patricks PS, Armagh, Jack Scott (12) from Tandragee Junior High School and Suzy Neill (12) from Banbridge Academy and Commonwealth Games star Gladys Ganiel.
Pictured L-R are Orán McCafferty (11) from Lurgan who attends St Colmans Newry, James Walker (11) from Tandragee Junior High, Abby Tate (11) from Moira who attends Friends, Lisburn, Anna Conlon (10) from Tannahgmore PS, Lurgan, Odhran Hamilton (11) from St Patricks PS, Armagh, Jack Scott (12) from Tandragee Junior High School and Suzy Neill (12) from Banbridge Academy and Commonwealth Games star Gladys Ganiel.

The 11-year-old from Moira was among those who quizzed Ganiel about her training regime as part of the session marking the return of the Flahavan’s Porridge Athletics NI Primary School Cross Country League.

At the official launch, League Ambassador Ganiel joined the 2014 squad for a session of cross-country running through the sand dunes.

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Marathon specialist Ganiel is one of the country’s top endurance runners and recently represented Northern Ireland at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

In addition to marathon running Gladys is also an accomplished cross-country runner and has represented Northern Ireland at International events.

Gladys spent time with squad members who asked her questions about her training regime for both marathons and cross country races. “I was delighted,” she said, “to be asked to act as this year’s official Ambassador for the League...

“I got my start in running through cross country and I have gained so much from the sport over the years.

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“Young people in Northern Ireland can benefit from involvement in the sport at all levels.

“I feel that it is important to support children in their development as young athletes and to encourage them to participate in sport as part of a healthy lifestyle.”

Entering its eighth season, the League continues to grow from strength to strength with over 4,000 runners participating in last year’s events.

Following the final the top 20 girls and boys will be invited to join the Flahavan’s Porridge Athletics NI Junior Cross Country Squad.

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The 2014/15 League got underway on Tuesday 14 October with children from over 125 primary schools taking part across seven regions: Down, Southern Area, Causeway Coast, County Antrim, North West, Fermanagh and Strabane/Omagh Area.

Related topics:Athletics NI